This page ranks 2 compact passive subwoofers weighing under 30 lbs. Passive subwoofers require a separate amplifier or AV receiver. All subwoofers have computed CEA-2010-A scores and are ranked by them with the best at the top.
Last updated: July 15, 2026
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| 1 | Dayton Audio MKSX4 | $144.98 | 106.2 dB | ported, rear | (4) 4 inch | 26.9 lbs / 12.2 kg | |
| 2 | BG Radia BGX-S6B | $189 | 102.1 dB | in-wall | (6) 4 inch | 16.1 lbs / 7.3 kg |
#1 Dayton Audio MKSX4 [Amazon]: $144.98
Pros: Four 4-inch drivers in a low-profile (under 8-inch) cabinet deliver 106.2dB CEA-2010-A average, the best output-per-dollar of any passive subwoofer tested.
Notes: low profile (<8in)
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 106.2 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 16.0"H x 5.9"W x 14.0"D (406.4 x 149.9 x 355.6 mm) |
| Driver | 4" (102mm) driver |
| Driver(s) | (4) 4 inch |
| Enclosure | ported, rear |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 78.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 95.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 106.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 110.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 112.3 dB |
| Passive | Yes |
| Warranty | 5 |
| Weight | 26.9 lbs / 12.2 kg |
#2 BG Radia BGX-S6B: $189
Pros: Six 4-inch drivers in a low-profile in-wall panel deliver 102.1dB CEA-2010-A average, a flush-mount alternative for rooms where a cabinet subwoofer won’t fit.
Notes: low profile (<8in)
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 102.1 dB (avg of 3/4 bands) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 14.0"H x 14.0"W x 3.75"D (355.6 x 355.6 x 95.2 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Driver | 6" (152mm) driver |
| Driver(s) | (6) 4 inch |
| Enclosure | in-wall |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 82.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 82.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 82.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 102.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 102.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 102.1 dB |
| Passive | Yes |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs / 7.3 kg |
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